FOBB moving? Maybe ............

For those of you who might not subscribe to any of the QRP email reflectors - Jody K3JZD posted this yesterday.  Rather than summarize and possibly get something wrong, I'm going to cut and past here:

Considering a Date Change for the ARS FOBB

Maybe the End of July Is Not Ideal

Russ–AA7QU created the Adventure Radio Society (ARS) Flight of the Bumblebees (FOBB) event.  Russ liked to operate from his camp in the mountains above the McKenzie River valley.   From what I know about the Oregon high country, there is a good chance that the last Sunday in July was not as hot there as it typically is in most of the US.

As a Bumblebee in PA, I got cooked in 2024 and again in 2025.  Many Bumblebees all around the US reported in their comments on 3830scores.com that they dealt with even higher temperatures.  Some Bumblebees abandoned going out due to the dangerously high temperature in their area.  So maybe having the annual FOBB in the Fall might be a smarter idea.

I’m thinking that Third Sunday in September would probably be cooler, making it a better day to hold the annual FOBB.  There is no major contest that weekend.  And no major holiday that weekend.

FOBB Participants, what do you think about this idea??  I need your feedback.  Please go to https://ars-qrp.com.  Near the top of the main page, you will see a FOBB Poll.  Click on the “Move the Flight of the Bumblebee to September???” link.  Then answer the two simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions.  I will report the results of the poll in two weeks.

By the way, the 2025 Bumblebee photos that were submitted will get posted – I have not had the time needed to get started on that task.  

Groups.io Moderators – Thank you for letting me post Adventure Radio Society news and event announcements on your reflector.

72,

Jody - K3JZD

ARS Trustee

If you participate in the Flight of the Bumblebees, please let Jody know what you think. As with just about everything in life, there are Pros and Cons. Personally, I don't much care when FOBB occurs - July or September - I'll be there ready and raring to go. If I operate portable, that's the bomb. If I end up having to operate from the shack because of the weather - well ......... yes, that may be disappointing, but at least FOBB is still happening regardless, and that's the good thing.

What is exciting is that if Jody decides to move to September, he has hinted that we may get another shot at FOBB this year! That's just good news any way you slice it! All I can say is, stay tuned! I'll keep you guys up on the latest news about this that I come across.

72 de Larry W2LJ

QRP -When you care to send the very least!